Deliciously Healthy High Protein Baked Ziti (Over 30g Protein!)

If you’re on the hunt for a dinner that’s cozy, comforting, and still aligns with your healthy eating goals, then you’ve absolutely landed in the right place! Say hello to High Protein Baked Ziti – a classic, well-loved dish reimagined to fuel your body and satisfy those comfort food cravings. This isn’t just any baked ziti; it’s a powerhouse of flavor and nutrition, cleverly sneaking in extra protein and wholesome veggies.

There’s something magical about a bubbling, cheesy pasta bake, isn’t there? It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table. And this version? It definitely hits the spot. We’re talking tender ziti pasta enveloped in a rich, savory marinara sauce, studded with lean ground turkey, and layered with creamy cottage cheese and gooey mozzarella. The best part? Each generous serving packs over 30 grams of protein!

This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a beloved classic without any of the guilt. It’s surprisingly easy to whip up, with much of the work being hands-off as it simmers and bakes to perfection. Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight dinner, a dish to impress guests, or something wonderful to meal prep for the week ahead, this High Protein Baked Ziti is sure to become a new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This High Protein Baked Ziti

• Packed with Protein: Lean ground turkey and low-fat cottage cheese significantly boost the protein content, keeping you fuller for longer.
• Healthier Indulgence: Enjoy all the comforting flavors of traditional baked ziti with a lighter, more nutritious profile.
• Veggie Boost: Fresh spinach is snuck in for added vitamins and minerals.
• Incredibly Flavorful: Aromatic herbs and spices create a rich, savory sauce that’s simply irresistible. High Protein Baked Ziti
• Easy to Make: Simple steps and readily available ingredients make this recipe a breeze.
• Meal Prep Champion: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for planning meals in advance. It even freezes well!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to gather to create this masterpiece:

• 1 lb Box Ziti Pasta: The star of the show! You can also use penne or other similar tube-shaped pasta.
• 1 lb 99/1 Lean Ground Turkey: Provides a fantastic lean protein base.
• 1/2 Small Yellow Onion (approx. 100g): Diced, for aromatic depth.
• 2 (24 oz) Jars Marinara Sauce: Choose your favorite quality brand.
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano
• 1 tsp Dried Basil
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/2 tsp Ground Thyme
• Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a little kick of heat.
• 3 cups Fresh Spinach (approx. 64g): Roughly chopped. A great way to add greens!
• 5 oz Mozzarella Cheese (approx. 140g or 1 2/3 cups): Freshly shredded melts best.
• 1 cup 2% Low Fat Cottage Cheese: The secret weapon for creaminess and extra protein!
• 1 oz Parmesan Cheese (approx. 28g or 1/3 cup): Freshly grated for the best flavor.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley (Optional): For garnish, adding a touch of freshness.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
• Olive Oil Spray or Olive Oil: For the skillet.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!

Follow these simple steps to cheesy, protein-packed perfection:

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch glass baking dish.
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ziti and cook according to the package directions until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
3. Brown the Turkey & Onion: While the pasta cooks, set a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Lightly spray with olive oil spray (or add a teaspoon of olive oil). Add the ground turkey and diced onion. Cook, breaking the turkey apart into small crumbles, for about 5-7 minutes, or until browned. Season generously with salt and pepper (I recommend about 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, adjust to your preference). Drain any excess fat if necessary.
4. Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat under the skillet to medium-low. Pour in the marinara sauce. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, ground thyme, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. During the last 2-3 minutes of simmering, stir in the chopped fresh spinach until it wilts.
5. Layer the Ziti: Now for the fun part – assembling your baked ziti! In your prepared baking dish, create the layers:
   • Spread half of the cooked ziti evenly across the bottom of the dish.
   • Top with half of the meat sauce.
   • Dollop or spread the cottage cheese evenly over the sauce.
   • Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese.
   • Repeat with the remaining pasta, followed by the remaining meat sauce. [Optional: Insert a collage or series of photos showing these layering steps.]
6. Top & Bake: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and all the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
7. Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden, and the casserole is heated through.
8. Rest & Garnish: Let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to cut. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy every delicious bite!
   High Protein Baked Ziti

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

• Servings: 8
• Calories per serving: Approximately 440-470 kcal
• Protein per serving: Approximately 30-35g
• Fat per serving: Approximately 15-18g
• Carbohydrates per serving: Approximately 45-50g

(Note: For a more precise calculation, consider using a nutritional analysis tool with your specific ingredient brands.)

1 Tips for Cooking Perfect High Protein Baked Ziti

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the ziti until just al dente. It will continue to cook in the oven, and you want to avoid mushy pasta. Rinsing with cold water is key to stop the cooking.
• Use Quality Marinara: The sauce is a major flavor component. A good quality marinara will make a big difference. Feel free to use your favorite homemade or store-bought version.
• Freshly Grate Your Cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting as smoothly. Grating your own mozzarella and Parmesan is worth the little extra effort!
• Season Every Layer: Don’t skimp on seasoning the turkey and ensuring your marinara is flavorful. This builds depth in the final dish.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the baked ziti to rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven is crucial. It helps the layers set, making it easier to serve and preventing it from falling apart.

2 More Tips & Tricks

• Make it Ahead: You can assemble the entire dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Freezing Instructions: Baked ziti freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, or transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through (usually 30-45 minutes, covered for the first half).
• Spice it Up: If you like more heat, add a pinch more red pepper flakes, or even some diced jalapeño when cooking the onions.
• Different Meats: While this recipe uses lean ground turkey, you could substitute lean ground beef or even a plant-based ground alternative.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other finely diced vegetables to the sauce, like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Sauté them with the onion and turkey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or mostaccioli work great as substitutes for ziti. Any tube-shaped or sturdy pasta that can hold up to the sauce and baking will do.
• Is cottage cheese essential? Can I taste it? The cottage cheese adds creaminess and a significant protein boost without a strong, discernible “cottage cheese” flavor once baked into the dish. It blends beautifully with the marinara and mozzarella. If you’re hesitant, you could substitute with ricotta, though the protein content might be slightly lower.
• How do I store leftovers? Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• How do I reheat baked ziti? You can reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot. For larger amounts, cover the baking dish with foil and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through (about 20-30 minutes).

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This High Protein Baked Ziti is more than just a meal; it’s a warm, cheesy hug in a bowl that nourishes your body and soul. It’s proof that healthy eating can be incredibly delicious and satisfying.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! If you try it, please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. I love hearing from you!

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Credit : Organic Recipe Guide